These high, undulating cliffs plunging down to the Atlantic offer unforgettable views. This is a dramatic place, where the soundtrack is provided by the roar of waves crashing against the cliff walls far below and the faint cries of nesting seabirds. On a clear day, you can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay as misty shapes off in the distance. Understandably, this is also dead center on the tourist track, with a constant throng of tour buses and cars clogging the parking lot below. In recent years, a large modern visitor center has opened, changing the landscape and adding little to the wonders wrought by nature. Now there are more souvenir shops and a "Cliffs of Moher Experience" including a film -- why this is necessary when the real thing is right outside, we simply do not know. Unsurprisingly, this means the already high price to park at the cliffs (a de facto admission charge since there is no legal free alternative parking) has nearly doubled over the last 2 years, and we fear it will go still higher. As we are talking about a natural wonder here, created by winds and waves, this seems dangerously like naked profiteering. Some clever visitors have begun rejecting the pointless parking charge and finding places to park nearby, then hiking up to the cliffs, but before you try this bear in mind that virtually all roadside parking nearby is illegal. On the other hand, parking enforcement is pretty lax this far out in the countryside. Tip: If you visit the cliffs after the visitor center closes, it's much more peaceful. Sunsets are absolutely gorgeous.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
